How to say 'Happy New Year' in Irish

Listen to the short clip above and learn how to say 'Happy New Year' in Irish. 'Maise' is the Irish word for 'beauty' or 'prosperity' and it is used in this phrase to wish someone a prosperous year ahead.

An Athbhliain / The New Year

The prefix 'ath' is part of the Irish word for 'new year'. You might have noticed this prefix before in other words and phrase such as:

Athchúrsáil / Recycling

If someone has a habit of repeating themselves over and over you might say:

Tá sé ráite agus athráite agat / You've said it and resaid it

'Ath' has the meaning of 'repeat' / 're'.

So 'athbhliain' is literally a 're-year', a re-run at the year!

Duit or Daoibh?

Use 'duit' when speaking to just one person; and 'daoibh' when speaking to more than one person.

'Duit' means 'to you'; and 'daoibh' means 'to ye' (you plural).

In Connacht Irish 'duit' is more commonly pronounced as 'dhuit'; and 'daoibh' is 'dhaoibh'.

This 'dh' sound doesn't exist in English and so can take a little practice to master!

Wishing someone luck

If you want to wish someone luck for the year ahead you could say:

Tá súil agam nach rithfidh ach an t-ádh leat i mbliana!

I hope that only good luck runs with you this year!

Rúin na hAthbhliana / New Year's Resolutions

Have you though about making a new year's resolution yet? Why not make this new year your year for learning Irish? One of the best ways to learn Irish is by taking a live class or doing self-study course in Irish. All About Irish offer both live classes and self-study courses in the Irish language to learners at all levels. Our Irish language courses are a fun and easy way to learn Irish with other learners in Ireland and all over the world.

There is a Beginner Irish course for total beginners, or for those with just a little Irish already. If you already have some Irish and would like to improve then check out the Beyond Beginner Irish class for intermediate learners of the Irish language.

If you would like to have a definite goal then you could prepare for the TEG A2 level Irish exam which is held in early June each year. All About Irish offers a comprehensive Irish language course for anyone wishing to prepare for the TEG exam. The course includes lots of online content, but also live components, including live classes and a ciorcal comhrá each month. Read more about the TEG preparatory course here.